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Published on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By Rick Orlov
Despite warnings that it could jeopardize federal Medicare funds for hospitals, the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a landmark ordinance that would make it a misdemeanor for hospitals to drop patients on the streets of the city without their consent.
The 12-1 vote sets the stage for future legal battles over the measure - in the works for more than two years - which would allow the city to fine hospitals $25,000 for failing to follow a series of protocols before releasing patients.
If enacted when it returns to the full council next week, the Los Angeles law would be the first of its kind for a U.S. city.
Councilwoman Jan Perry, whose district includes most of Skid Row - where most recent patient-dumping incidents have been reported - disputed the contention that hospitals could lose their Medicare funding.
"There has been a lot of disinformation out there," Perry said. "I know there have been lies out there about what I have said and seen
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